Chapter 36: Timothy's Contemplation

Ursula's mind was a whirlwind as she hung up with Matthew. She distractedly picked up some snacks for the kids and headed back to the hospital.

Another call buzzed in during her walk, setting her nerves on edge. Without looking, she snapped, "What now?"

It took a moment for her to recognize the caller through the heavy breathing. "Ursula, it's Timothy. Are you okay?"

Embarrassed, Ursula softened. "I'm sorry, Timothy. I thought you were someone else."

Timothy sensed something was off but didn't press. "You weren't at work today. Is everything alright?"

Ursula deflected, blaming a pesky insurance sales call for her irritation. "I felt off today, sorry for the wild goose chase."

Timothy's concern spiked when Ursula mentioned feeling unwell. "Do you need me to come over?"

"No, it's just a little medicine making me drowsy," Ursula lied, trying to sound tired.

Timothy half-joked about needing to step up as a boyfriend, to which Ursula apologized for.

After hanging up, Timothy remained deep in thought. Ursula's temper wasn't easily lost; something was amiss.

Meanwhile, Ursula, worried the meal might cool, hurried back to Adam's room, where he slept, looking peacefully cherubic.

She kissed his forehead to wake him. "Time for dinner, my sleeping beauty."

Adam's fluttering lashes betrayed his feigned sleep, and he played along, "Mommy, you're back?"

Ursula, seeing his flushed cheeks, didn't call him out. "Let's eat, Adam."

Adam eyed the porridge and expressed concern for her having not eaten. Ursula reassured him, touched by his thoughtfulness.

After dinner, Ursula cleaned up, and they settled into the now “private” hospital room.

She broke the silence, "Adam, how about we visit Grandma tomorrow?"

Adam's heart sank. He wanted to stay but didn't want to upset his mom. "Okay," he said softly.

Ursula lifted his spirits by asking about his birthday wish. "Will you celebrate with me, Mom?"

"Every birthday," she promised silently.

"That's great," Adam beamed, comforted by the promise.

Ursula sang him to sleep, but her own rest was troubled by nightmares. She was lost in a faceless crowd, running back to her school days. Dylan confronted her, accusing her of betrayal.

Ursula tried to explain, but Dylan wouldn't listen. Then Matthew appeared, his cold gaze mocking her. Dylan called her a homewrecker then left with Matthew, who then took Adam away, leaving Ursula desperate and alone in her dream.